When you are chipping away at a rock from one side, its very easy to remain unaware of how thin it has become and how close you are to the other side.

It has only just dawned on me that our credit card debt (which is now only on two of the five cards) is now less than a month's salary. Four years ago, at the worst point, it was equivalent to about 9 months salary, and spread over five cards.
So we are really getting there, and its a good feeling. As my salary has now increased and the interest and debt has come down, its all got a lot easier. The money put aside each month for chipping away at the mountain quickly begins to go a whole lot further. Three of the cards weren't even active and have never been used - I just opened the accounts to get the 0% interest offer - which doesn't seem to be available any more??

Interesting watching the reaction of the card companies. Since I cleared my Abbey account last month, I have had THREE phone calls from them making loads of offers, and letters galore with all kinds of strings attached to fantastic deals as a favoured customer. There are clearly some 'balance thresholds' that trigger different letters.
Within £250 of your credit limit? Letter A. We are pleased to be able to offer you an increased credit limit...
Less than £500 on your card? Letter Z. Transfer other card balances to us. Use theses cheques. Take advantage of some stuff...
Nothing at all on your card? Zero balance? You're one of our best customers you are. We love you. Have a free pen...
I can't imagine how they would treat a really bad customer with any less respect

ALWAYS close the account. Don't just hide or cut up the card.
I understand that closing the account wipes out your credit history and defaults. Also means that you have the option to take out new customer deals in the future should you feel the urge. Don't do it

So I've closed the account. Which is also ridiculously hard to do, because you have to ring to find out who to write to...

Three down. One to go. We will be keeping one account just for fun and in case of emergencies...

Pay now - don't pay later.

Little Annie and Paul Wallfisch Bad Pianos